Indigenous Community Support Fund

The health, safety and well-being of all people in Canada, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples is and will remain a top priority for all. Canada recognizes that First Nations, Inuit and Métis are among the most at-risk and that during this crisis. In particular, those in remote and fly-in only parts of the country are uniquely vulnerable. Communities are incredibly resilient and full of solutions and innovative ideas. This is why we must support distinctions-based measures to improve public health response for Indigenous communities and provide them with the flexibility they need to address the specific needs identified by communities and their members. This fund provides Indigenous leadership and organizations with the flexibility needed to design and implement community-based solutions to prevent, prepare and respond to the spread of COVID-19 within their communities. These funds can be used for measures including, but not limited to: preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 mental health assistance and emergency response services support for Elders and vulnerable community members measures to address food insecurity, such as support for the purchase, transportation and distribution of food, and access to traditional foods through hunting and fishing in the event of outbreaks educational and other support for children The request process for needs-based support is open and Indigenous communities and organizations can request funding now for funding covering the period until March 31, 2023. For formula-based funding allocated directly to First Nation, Inuit and Métis Nation communities, there is no deadline or request process. Direct allocations flow through existing agreements.

Invest Nova Scotia TecSocial

TecSocial is a monthly meeting for those with an interest in technology and entrepreneurship. The topics feature a variety of entrepreneurs and subject matter experts. TecSocial brings together entrepreneurs from across Cape Breton, Invest Nova Scotia clients, business professionals, industry representatives and students. These events are free and open to the public. Appetizers provided are compliments of Invest Nova Scotia.

Membertou Entrepreneur Centre

The Membertou Entrepreneur Centre’s business development program includes customized business training and workshops and one-on-one support for new and existing businesses in the Membertou community. Several times a year, orientation sessions are held in Membertou for anyone considering starting a business. A person can then be approved for a training program of up to 12 weeks to assist them in preparing a detailed business plan. The Centre works with Aboriginal Business Canada, Ulnooweg Development Group and other federal, provincial and community economic development agencies on investment capital and funding to new business ventures.

Nova Scotia Provincial Grant Finder

Grants and funding programs offered through the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

Sydney Makerspace

The Sydney Makerspace gives Cape Breton start-ups, entrepreneurs, students and other creative minds the place, equipment, materials and education to let them design and build innovative products. The 4,000 sq.ft. space in Sydney includes a general work area, a tool library, a metal working shop, a selection of woodworking tools, an electronics/robotics lab, as well as 3D drawing and printing abilities. Discounted memberships are available to students, educators, Veterans, seniors and partner groups (Centre for Craft and Design, Island Sandbox, Navigate, New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation and Mentor Connect)

THINKFARM – Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture

THINKFARM.ca provides introductory level resources for starting a farm in Nova Scotia. The website has information on defining your farm vision, business planning and regulations which apply to new farm businesses. It is a good starting point before accessing advisory services from the Department of Agriculture and Perennia Field Services staff. The THINKFARM Facebook page and electronic mailing list provide information about training workshops and events of interest to new and aspiring farmers in the province.

Ulnooweg Aboriginal Business Financing Program

The Aboriginal Business Financing Program is administered by Ulnooweg and offers non-repayable business contributions to individual Aboriginal entrepreneurs and community owned businesses. Eligible applicants are individuals of Canadian Aboriginal status or non-status, Metis or Inuit Heritage (on or off reserve), living and operating their businesses within the Atlantic provinces. Aboriginal business and financial organizations, as well as development corporations are also eligible for contributions. Some of the eligible expenses for ABDP support are:

Business planning
Establishment and operating costs
Business acquisitions and expansions
Local, domestic or export oriented marketing initiatives
New product or process development
Adding technology to improve operations and competitiveness
Financial services, business support, business-related training and mentoring services

Ulnooweg Aboriginal Business Loan

If you are a status or non-status Aboriginal living in Atlantic Canada, you could get funding to start, buy, grow or refinance a business. The types of loans offered include: Youth Loans General Loans Micro Loans